Modern Times

Anthropology of Truths


Attention Deficit Disorder - Sources

Modern Times

Project 3 - Truths

  • Gulf War Syndrome
  • Weight-loss Drugs
  • Attention Deficit Disorder
  • "Paying Attention." Scientific American.

    "Increased Medication Use in ADD: Regressive or Appropriate?" JAMA

    "The Ritalin Controversy: What's Made This Drug's Opponents Hyperactive?" JAMA

    The Leading Edge Research Homepage

    newsgroup: alt.support.attn-deficit

    Meng Weng Wong ADD page

    Wired Magazine, "Interrupt Driven"

    NIMH Pamphlet on ADD

    Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Adults

    You Mean I'm Not Lazy, Stupid Or Crazy?!

    CH.A.D.D. Homepage

    Success with Attention Deficit Disorder and Hyperactivity

    Parents of Children With Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

    Biological Correlates of Learning and Attention

    Interrupt-Driven

    An Epidemic of ADD or a Matter of Overdiagnosis?

      Cowart, Virginia S. "The Ritalin Controversy: What's Made This Drug's Opponents Hyperactive?" The Journal of the American Medical Association: Volume 259 No. 17; pp. 2521-2523.

      Since this article was also found in JAMA, the availability of the article is similar to that of the previous. The author is a woman, whose name is just mentioned at the end of the article. No further elaboration of her is offered. However, information about her should be available at the magazine headquarters. The article written by Ms. Cowart is quite extensive, as it cites numerous people, groups, studies and cases. She gives examples of cases where malpractice suits have been lodged against doctors who have prescribed Ritalin. She also mentions the activist groups who have protested against the widespread use of the drug. Among them is the Church of Scientology, who have filed five lawsuits against doctors prescribing the drug. A spokesperson, Dennis Clarke made claims that the drug can cause psychotic episodes. Also, mentioned are activist groups which demonstrate at psychiatric professional meetings. On the other side of the controversy, the American Psychiatric Association and its Canadian counterpart are also treated as actors. They have been on the defensive, having been named as defendants in fraud cases. Ciba-Geigy, the company that markets the drug is also defending its position via it spokesperson, Gloria Martini. Another actor that appears in the article is Rod Matthews, who, it was claimed, became violent as a result of taking Ritalin. His lawyer, of course, also appears with statements about the case. The article also examines the scientific as well as the social side to Ritalin. It refers to many other JAMA articles and also includes quotes and opinions from experts. The "doctors", "children" and parents are again mentioned as general entities.

      This article also tries to be informative and objective. It details the new backlash against the drug and also explores the stand the physicians and Ciba-Geigy take. First, the article introduce the wave of cases against Ritalin or the prescription of it. Following is a scientific argument for the drugs effectiveness, when properly used. An explanation for increase consumption is offered by the DEA and by Ciba-Geigy. A more detailed summary of activist groups involved appear, followed by several the APA's stand on the drug and efforts to set a standard for prescribing the drug. The case of Rod Matthews is mentioned and then the use of the drug from a parent's standpoint is offered. The practical effects of the drug is then addressed. The article ends with an alternative treatment offered in Switzerland for children with ADHD and their families. This article is helpful to parents who wish to know the pros and cons of using Ritalin as well as alternatives to the drug. The opinions expressed in the article represent the speakers themselves and the authors do a good job of being objective. The controversy over the drug is treated almost as a comedy, since both extremes are presented. However, the article is quite serious. The article succeeds in being both scientifically credible and easy to read. Though it would be hard for the public to get such an article, it would be appropriate for many parents, older kids and those which have an interest to read. I found the article quite informative and would have enjoyed it more had I been more personally involved in the subject.

      Reviewer: Peter Siu

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